Monday, February 9, 2015

Spa Girl explores the benefits of Flotation

I had the good fortune to visit the newly opened Metta³ Rest Spa in Vancouver and float in one of their deluxe floatation pods.
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Metta³ Rest Spa, Vancouver

Flotation lets you disconnect from
your busy life-style and often overstimulated régime by rebooting your human
bio-computer freeing yourself from having to process light, sound, gravity, or moderate your skin
temperature all by floating.

Floatation is known by a number of names: flotation
tank, sensory deprivation tank,float tank, John C.
Lilly tank, REST tank, sensory attenuation tank.However they are described, flotation consists of a lightless, soundproof tank filled with skin
temperature salt water.At Metta Rest
Spa they prefer to think of flotation as sensory freedom, providing their spa
guests the opportunity to rest and be free from the stress of constant
overstimulation.

Additionally flotation therapy has been
academically studied in the USA and in Sweden with published results showing
reduction of both pain and stress. The relaxed state also includes lowered
blood pressure and maximum blood flow.

Floating can be passive or active, depending on the
intended outcome. For relaxation (passive) one simply floats and clears the
mind. Active floating incorporates many different techniques.

Research indicates that one may perform meditation, mantras, and self-hypnosis, or utilize educational
programs, etc. Active floating is when the body is relaxed and the mind becomes
highly suggestible. Any action taken during these states will enter the
information into the sub-conscious. Flotation therapy may also be used to
complement other body work and healing methodologies.

The Library at Metta³ Rest Spa

Similar to meditation it is common at the beginning of flotation to experience itching, while the later part of a float transitions from beta or alpha brainwaves to theta which is similar to before sleep and again when waking from sleep. Theta state enhances creativity and problem solving.

During my very first float in the 1980’s while in
theta state I could put a problem to myself and like a movie watch how it could
be resolved. It was a very stimulating session where all my creative energy was
released.

Many flotation spas were closed in the late 80’s
and 90’s mainly for health and safety reasons and it became less fashionable for
Spa goers.Thankfully flotation it is
returning with new highly regulated standards, exquisitely designed flotation
tanks and a renewed interest in the benefits flotation offers in our all too
busy lifestyles.

What they have to say...

Metta³ Rest Spa is a luxury boutique spa offering state of the art relaxation treatments.

Our vision for the optimal spa experience utilizes the ultimate relaxation therapy. We believe that proper rest is essential to personal growth and healing. In our efforts to create a loving, kind and safe haven, we truly hope that each and every guest can let go and reconnect inwards.

Our motto has always been “Team work makes the dream work”, therefore it is our desire that all guests find themselves feeling as though they are a part of our metta³ community.

Spa Girls Blog

I created the SPA GIRL blog in 2009 because I wanted to share my spa experiences.
I am a big fan of aromatherapy,
thalassotherapy, spa cuisine and history.
I love to pamper myself, inside and out! And why not? I work hard, travel a lot and find the spa experience exciting each and every time.
Since the beginning of history, people have resorted to springs, baths, and spas for the therapeutic effects and power of their healing waters. Today the Spa experience has expanded to include so many ways to live a happy, healthy, holistic lifestyle.
Relax, rejuvenate, and restore: that’s Spa Girl's motto.
Spa Girl covers a number of my interests including: aromatherapy, home spa treatments, spa modalities, feel good tips, spa destinations, natural products and spa foods.
Spa Girl is also on facebook where in addition to my blogs I post links to other spa writers, spa reviews and tips.
I have studied aromatherapy for a number of years and create my own salt scrubs, bath oils, soaps and skin creams.
I am an avid researcher and love to research all aspects of the spa industry, study and of course try every spa experience there is.
My other passion is art museums.